The LMS Toddler Program, for children ages 21 months - three years old, is where children develop some of their first relationships away from home. At this age, children begin to assert their desire for independence and begin to express their own personality. Toddlers are physically active and intellectually curious. The LMS environment and curriculum is designed to provide the warmth, welcome and stimulation that enables this growth.
Toddlers come to school five days a week and have the option to stay Half Day (8:45 to 11:45AM) or Full Day (8:45 to 2:45PM). Every Thursday is a Half Day for LMS children with the exception of Middle School students who participate in Athletics. Read about the Professional Development our Faculty and Staff complete on Thursday afternoons.
| Arrival | 8:45 to 9:00 |
| Outdoor Time | 8:45 to 10:00 |
| Snack/Work/Bathroom | 10:00 to 11:00 |
| Circle Time/Food Tasting | 11:00 to 11:30 |
| Lunchtime | 11:30 to 12:15 |
| Half Day Dismissal | 11:45 |
| Nap Time | 12:30 to 2:15 |
| Full Day Dismissal | 2:45 to 3:00 |
In addition to the school day hours, LMS offers Before And After School for Toddlers. Read more about the Before And After School program here.
First-Hand Experience With Activities
LMS Toddlers learn real-life skills in the classroom through Practical Life work. Montessori-certified teachers introduce activities that allow children to explore and learn, while also being creative and progressing developmentally.
Intrinsic Motivation
Toddlers follow their individual interests as they choose work throughout the day. Children decide if they want to work on a puzzle, or with art materials; build with manipulatives or practical life; count objects or seriate shapes by size. Toddlers are attracted to challenges because they like to feel proud of their growing abilities. When redirection is necessary, Toddler teachers provide it respectfully and positively.
Self-Directed Active Learning Methods
Activities in our Toddler classrooms encourage children to manipulate and explore in ways that promote thought and focus. This exploration, and repetition, with materials leads to spontaneous activity. Children use the same materials in many ways, depending on their creativity, ability, and personality.
Social-Emotional Development
During their time in the toddler class, children develop some of their first relationships outside the home. In a nurturing environment, toddlers learn to trust adults to guide and support them and, little by little, toddlers learn to take care of themselves.
